Winter Stations 2025 set to open on Family Day along Woodbine Beach
Winter Stations will be returning to Woodbine Beach later this month for its 11th year. Image above shows a rendering of the WATCH installation. Winter Stations 2025 offically opens on Family Day, Monday, Feb. 17. For more on this year’s Winter Stations art installations, please see Page 16.
East Toronto candidates gearing up for provincial election on Feb. 27
By Alan Shackleton
A PROVINCIAL election for Ontario was officially called last Wednesday, and candidates in East Toronto are weighing in on what voters can expect leading up to election day on Thursday, Feb. 27.
The biggest question being asked by incumbent Beaches-East York Liberal MP Mary-Margaret McMahon is why the election was even called.
Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford already has a large majority government in Queen’s Park as a result of the 2022 election and voters were not scheduled to go to the polls again until June of 2026.
“This unnecessary, expensive election proves that (Premier) Doug Ford is only out for his own interests, and those of his rich friends and close insiders,” said McMahon in a statement sent to
Beach Metro Community News after the election writ was issued on Jan. 29.
Scarborough Southwest NDP MPP Doly Begum also questioned the need for the election to be called at this time.
“Doug Ford is spending millions of people’s hard earned tax dollars as a distraction from his failures.
He handed billions of dollars to developers and an Austrian spa company, carved up the Greenbelt, while people are struggling to afford a home, waiting for months for a doctor’s appointment,” said Begum in a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News
Ford has said he called the election so that he can get a renewed and even bigger mandate from Ontarians as he deals with threats to the province’s economy from tariffs and other measures mentioned by American President Donald Trump.
So far, the Scarborough Southwest race has Mark Bekkering for the Green Party, Addie Daramola for the Progressive Conservatives, and Qadira Jackson for the Liberals seeking to take the seat away from incumbent Begum who has been the riding’s MPP since she was first elected in the 2018 provincial election.
In her statement, Begum was critical of Ford’s past seven years in power as Premier of Ontario, and of the Liberals who were the province’s government from 2003 to 2018.
“After 15 years of Liberal neglect, people gave Ford two chances. But after seven years of Conservatives, life’s only gotten harder for people,” said Begum. “I and the Ontario NDP have a better plan for healthcare, housing, transit, and public safety. We are on the side of hardworking people.”
Continued on Page 19
Black History Month celebrations planned for Eastview Community Centre
FEBRUARY IS Black History Month, and the Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre/BGC (Boys and Girls Club of Canada)
Eastview will be holding a celebration event on Sunday, Feb. 23.
This year’s event will be the community’s 30th annual celebration of Black History Month.
Young people from across Toronto will be taking part in the event which will feature a fashion
show, food, entertainment and performances in spoken word, rap, and singing. The celebration is for those ages 13 to 20, and is organized by a youth planning group with links to the Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre.
The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the centre which is located at 86 Blake St. For more information, go to www.eastviewcentre.com
Fairmount Park Winterfest set for Saturday
THE FAIRMOUNT Park Winterfest is set for this Saturday.
Hosted by the Fairmount Park Icemasters and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, the Winterfest takes place on Feb. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Fairmount Park, 1725 Gerrard St. E., on the east side of Beaton Avenue. Planned events include skating on the rinks made by the Icemasters, sledding, live music, food and fun for the whole family. Admission to the Winterfest is free and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information and event updates, including on the weather conditions, visit the Ice Masters Facebook page at www.facebook. com/groups/51607789318/
Community concern over planned homeless shelter in southwest Scarborough remains
By Matthew Stephens
AFTER MONTHS of quiet planning and secrecy, City of Toronto officials held a public event to address ongoing concerns regarding the establishment of an 80-person homeless shelter at 2535 Gerrard St. E.
“It is crucial to recognize that the shelter’s presence affects real people, including children both within the shelter and in the surrounding community, said Eloise Morrison, supervisor at Teach Me to Fly Preschool located at 2560 Gerrard St. E.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church on East Road, city officials held a public meeting to discuss planning logistics for the operations of the new shelter, which is set to open its doors in early 2027.
Residents were invited to the open house meeting to discuss the development process and shelter details for the upcoming southwest Scarborough location. Resi-
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dents at the meeting were shown a detailed presentation and had a chance to voice their opinions on the location of the new shelter.
Despite the planned meeting taking place after the shelter’s official announcement in late November last year, many residents still believe the city hasn’t done enough to touch base and keep them in the loop.
“As a licensed childcare operation, we are entrusted with the safety and well-being of the individuals under our care,” said Morrison. “We have not been engaged in dialogue with the City of Toronto or shelter officials to address our concerns regarding the shelter’s impact on our operations and safety protocols.”
Director of Infrastructure Planning and Development for Toronto Shelter and Support Services Loretta Ramadhin said she welcomes members of the community to voice their concerns to ensure the shelter operates smoothly when it opens.
“We appreciate that neighbours and community members are interested in plans the City of Toronto has for current and planned shelter locations. Active community engagement is an integral part of successfully opening a new shelter, and we welcome all feedback. Community feedback is taken seriously and will help influence shelter operations and planning to ensure it is successful in the community,” said Ramadhin.
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bed shelter. After becoming public knowledge, the plans to secure the location quickly received backlash from the community, who voiced their opposition to the proposed location.
According to Morrison, the preschool has already fallen victim to several instances of compromised child safety. She said that without effective shelter regulations in place, these issues may persist.
“The primary concern is the health and safety of the children at our daycare who are among our most vulnerable individuals,” said Morrison. “We would like to understand the client-tostaff ratios at the proposed shelter to gauge the level of supervision and care provided.”
Among the many other concerns forwarded by both residents and Scarborough Southwest Councillor Parthi Kandavel in recent months, public safety, lack of transparency or community engagement, and shelter oversaturation in southwest Scarborough seemed to be the most pressing.
“What is required is more transparency on how city staff make these decisions about where they’re located,” Kandavel told Beach Metro Community in an earlier interview. “There’s no doubt everyone recognizes the need for shelters. Where we place them is the question.”
Included in the city’s plans was a list of operational details and goals, a shelter service model, answers to “key questions,” and details regarding community engagement going forward.
In November last year, the City of Toronto went into negotiations to secure the purchase of the vacant building at 2535 Gerrard St. E. with plans to convert it into an 80-
According to City of Toronto’s Senior Communications Advisor Elise von Scheel, community engagement is an integral part of a new shelter’s development process. She said the city has hired Third Party Public to lead and facilitate the community engagement process going forward.
“Community engagement is an essential step in creating a new shelter. The City has hired Third Party Pub-
lic to lead the community engagement process. This includes providing ongoing shelter updates like the eupdates on the city website, responding to questions, and setting up meetings to work collaboratively with the city and local community members to collectively problemsolve concerns that may arise,” Scheel told Beach Metro Community News in a recent email.
The City of Toronto posted e-updates on a community bulletin last month, which sought to answer questions posed by the community in December of last year.
Included in the bulletin were questions regarding how the shelter will work, what adequate long-term services will be provided, what resources will be available to support the integration of the shelter, and how the location’s management will learn from past shelters.
Addressing public safety concerns, the updated bulletin said the site will be staffed 24/7 by “individuals who are trained in case management for housing and support, harm reduction services, de-escalation, conflict resolution, crisis prevention, and intervention and management.”
The shelter’s team members will also be trained to respond to immediate nonpolice or non-EMS-related matters when they are made aware by the community. The site is expected to have access to a range of primary care services and mental health and harm reduction supports, said the city bulletin.
Conversations between community engagement facilitators and local residents are still ongoing to ensure “the shelter can be successful,” and Scheel said a copy of the presentation given at the meeting, along with Community Bulletins that
Continued on Page 3
City says confidentiality needed when seeking new shelter sites
‘Community’ from Page 2 provide updated answers to questions posed by local residents can be found on the project webpage at www.toronto.ca/community-people/ housing-shelter/homelesshelp/about-torontos-sheltersystem/developing-sheltersites/2535-gerrard-st-e/
Despite the city’s willingness to now work with residents, many in the area still believe they were left in the dark during the negotiation process to secure the location of the shelter in the first place.
According to Scheel, confidentiality in securing shelter locations is an essential part of the city’s negotiation process.
“Scouting locations, signing agreements, and conducting due diligence are important steps in this strategy, and details about sites under consideration need to be confidential to maintain the City’s negotiating position, ensuring best value
for taxpayer dollars,” said Scheel.
For Kandavel, the city’s decision to secure a fifth shelter space within the Scarborough Southwest region was made without consideration of the four existing shelter spaces already situated in the area.
“I’ve seen the placements of the four existing shelters in my ward,” said Kandavel in his earlier interview with Beach Metro Community News. “A lot of folks in Scarborough feel like (the city) is dumping on Scarborough again. All our hotels became shelters.”
According to Scheel, Scarborough sees a higher percentage of homelessness compared to other districts in the city.
“The City currently operates more than 100 shelter services. Of these, four are in Ward 20 (Scarborough Southwest),” said Scheel. “The 2021 Street Needs Assessment survey found 30
per cent of people unsheltered outdoors were staying in the Scarborough area, highlighting the importance of increasing services in that area.”
However, many area residents are concerned about the lack of essential services surrounding the new shelter location.
When asked about the services provided for visitors when the new shelter location becomes operational, Scheer detailed that access to primary health, mental health, and harm reduction services, along with case managers focused on helping clients to build permanent housing plans, are just some of the expected services planned.
For more information on the city’s shelter development plans, go to www.toronto.ca/community-people/ housing-shelter/homelesshelp/about-torontos-sheltersystem/developing-sheltersites
•
Family of Rachel Turner sues school bus driver and company involved in fatal collision
By Alan Shackleton
THE FAMILY of Rachel Turner is suing the school bus driver and the school bus company involved in the fatal collision that took the 22-year-old Beach woman’s life in October of last year.
The lawsuit was filed in Ontario Superior Court on Thursday, Jan. 23, and is seeking damages of $9.5 million on behalf of Rachel’s parents, siblings and grandparents.
On Jan. 23, Toronto police announced that the 60-yearold male school bus driver had been charged with dangerous driving causing death under the Criminal Code of Canada, and Careless Driving Causing Death under the Highway Traffic Act. Those charges have yet to be heard in court.
Rachel Turner, 22, was walking west and crossing Kingswood Road on the north side of Kingston Road when she was struck by the driver of a school bus making a left turn at approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, police alleged.
The school bus was turning left from the eastbound lanes of Kingston Road to head north on Kingswood
SEAN MADIGAN
Road. The driver of the school bus remained at the scene, police said.
Turner was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition and succumbed to her injuries on Oct. 13.
In an interview with Beach Metro Community News last week, lawyer Michael Smitiuch of Smitiuch Injury Law (who is representing the Turner family) said the lawsuit was about accountability and answers surrounding the issue of school bus safety in Canada, and also to address the pain and suffering of the Turner family.
“This has been an enormous loss for the Turner family and will cause significant harm to them,” he said of Rachel’s death. “Counselling is needed and there’s also significant loss of income. A very significant loss has been caused to them… They have suffered significant harm and losses.”
“This is to seek accountability and answers and to gain justice for Rachel,” added Smitiuch.
The Statement of Claim in the lawsuit against the bus driver and his employer First Canada ULC (the school bus company) alleges negligence on the part of the driver regarding his operation of the school bus and on the part of the company regarding its training of drivers and the lack of safety features on the school bus.
One of the lawsuit’s allegations is that the company “failed to incorporate recommendations made by safety experts, task forces and others, including recommendations made by Transport Canada.”
The allegations in the lawsuit have yet to be tested in court.
In an email statement to the Canadian Press, Brenna Rudisill, a spokesperson for First Student Inc., said the company extends its “deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic incident” and is co-operating with the police investigation. The company is aware of the lawsuit and is reviewing the Statement of Claim, she said in her statement. She declined to comment further since the investigation is ongoing and that it is now a court case.
In a news conference in front their Beach home in November of last year, Rachel Turner’s parents and her boyfriend spoke about the need to improve school bus safety measures.
Also at the news conference was Smitiuch who said that between June and November of 2024, three pedestrians including Rachel had died as a result of being struck by a school bus.
On June 19 of last year, a six-year-old boy died after being struck by the driver of school bus in Vaughan.
And less than a month after Turner’s death, an 84-yearold woman died after being struck by a school bus in Richmond Hill on Nov. 5, 2024.
Smitiuch said at the news conference that a 2019 Federal Task Force on School Bus Safety made a number of recommendations to increase the safety of the vehicles.
On the issue of making school buses safer for pedestrians, the task force recommended the installation of exterior 360-degree camera systems and automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) operated by sensors. So far, the exterior camera and braking systems have not been made mandatory in school buses.
One of the aims of the lawsuit is to bring about the change necessary to make such school bus safety features mandatory, said Smitiuch in last week’s interview with Beach Metro Community News.
“We are hoping to make changes through the civil process. The government needs to legislate this up and to get better equipment and training. But the bus companies don’t have to wait for the government, they could implement these changes now,” he said
“It’s hoped the exposure that this matter brings will make them see the benefits of operating in a safe manner and that they will know there is a cost benefit… Through the exposure they will try to improve their behaviour,” added Smitiuch.
Regarding either the federal or provincial government mandating increased safety features on school buses, Smitiuch said no representatives from either level of government have approached the Turner family on the issue.
“No one’s taking up the cause,” he said.
Rachel Turner is shown in this photo taken by her boyfriend Matthew Davis at Fiordland National Park in New Zealand during their trip there in 2024.
Door at Beach fire station damaged again after being struck by Toronto Fire vehicle
THE GARAGE bay door at the Beach fire station on Queen Street East has been destroyed for the second time in three years.
However, this time it does not appear to be a case of alleged criminal activity. Back in February of 2022, a woman was charged in connection with an incident that saw a fire truck stolen from the station and driven through the bay doors early one morning.
This time around, residents made Beach Metro Community News aware that the same set of bay doors on Station 227’s west side were damaged once again in an apparent incident on Wednesday, Jan. 29, involving a Toronto Fire Services vehicle. There also appeared to be damaged brick work above the doors.
“The City of Toronto can confirm an incident involving a Toronto Fire Services vehicle occurred at Fire Station 227, resulting in damage to the property. No one was injured. Toronto Fire Services is taking immediate action to assess and repair
The
the damage as quickly as possible. There are no disruptions to service delivery in the area as a result of this
incident,” said City of Toronto Media Relations in a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News
Lion Dance and Parade to celebrate Lunar New Year in East Chinatown set for this Saturday afternoon
AS PART of the many celebrations welcoming Lunar New Year, the annual Lion Dance and Parade will take place in Toronto’s East Chinatown this Saturday, Feb. 8.
Organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of East Toronto, the Lion Dance and Parade begins at noon at the Zhong Hua Men Archway on Gerrard Street East. The Archway is located one block west of Broadview Avenue at Hamilton Street,
on the south side of Gerrard Street across from Hubbard Park.
The Lion Dance and Parade is part of celebrations across the city for Lunar New Year which took place on Jan. 29 and welcomes the Year of the Snake. Along with China, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated in other countries such as Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. Although some of the traditions are shared
amongst these nations, celebrations are unique to each country’s cultural identity.
The Chinese zodiac calendar has 12 symbols – Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Those with birth years 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025 are in the Year of the Snake. They are considered charming, intelligent and creative, according to the zodiac symbology.
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Beach fire hall, Station 227, on Queen Street East in the Beach with its damaged door on Thursday.
In these dangerous times, make your voice heard
AlAn ShAckleton Beach Metro News Editor
Well, folks, the provincial election we don’t need is now taking place.
While our country should be focussed and united as we deal with the numerous threats presented by American President Donald Trump and the clown show south of the border, we are instead facing a prorogued Parliament in Ottawa, a federal Liberal leadership race, and an Ontario election.
Seems like we have plenty of our own clowns to go around north of the border as well.
All I can say is I wish I’d cornered the market on rubber fish
last October because there are a lot of people with red noses and giant shoes in both the American and Canadian government in need of them right now for the coming Trade War. Unless, of course there’s a 25 per cent tariff slapped on rubber fish.
And while this Trade War seems that it is inevitably going to escalate, and badly hurt people on both sides of the U.S. and Canada border, we are foolishly ignoring our real and common enemy in all of this -- Iceland.
Sorry, don’t get me started on Iceland. Or wait, it’s Greenland who is our common enemy not Iceland. I think right now that Donald Trump may be the only person more confused than I am about who our enemies are.
Which should make a certain international hockey tournament
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coming up from Feb. 12 to 20 very interesting.
I am curious though how the tariffs will impact the goal production for Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby. I ask since Crosby, who plays his pro hockey in the United States, will be captain of the Canadian team in this month’s 4 Nations Face-Off and Matthews, who plays his pro hockey in Canada, will be captain of the American team.
Will their goals be increased or decreased by 25 per cent, or are hockey players tariff exempted? I bet they are in Iceland, wait Greenland.
Soon, very soon, I hope the clowns will leave or be made to leave the political arena. Their behaviour is dangerous and will have real and lasting consequences unless some sanity can be restored to this mess.
And so while everything is falling apart, it’s the perfect time for a winter election in Ontario is it not.
While I clearly think it’s ridiculous for this to be happening more than a year before it had to, I can assure our readers that here at Beach Metro Community News we will do our best to keep you informed as we move towards the Ontario election on Feb. 27.
Our democracy and our right to vote are the most cherished freedoms we have in this country.
Yes, we can be unhappy about the timing of an election but there can be no questioning the importance of voting in one. We don’t tell you who to vote for here. It’s your democratic right to make that decision, and generations of Canadians before us fought and even gave their lives so you can. Please don’t dishonour them by being so an-
noyed at the timing of this election that you throw up your hands and refuse to vote. In these dangerous circumstances we find ourselves in both federally and provincially, we need everybody voting and making sure their voice is heard.
At Beach Metro Community News we will be providing readers with more information on the candidates running in the ridings of Beaches-East York, Scarborough Southwest and Toronto-Danforth in our Feb. 18 edition. I urge the candidates who we contact for those stories to get back to us. I also ask voters to take note of the candidates who do not respond.
Beach Metro Community News will also be helping to organize a candidates meeting for BeachesEast York on Feb. 19 at Kingston Road United Church. I hope to see you there.
Future federal climate policies must build on Trudeau’s bold legacy
Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Prime Minister marks a pivotal chapter in Canada’s climate history, having accomplished more on climate policy than any other Canadian leader. The climate agenda began in 2015 with the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Developed in consultation with the people of Canada, businesses, provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples, the framework aimed to achieve emissions reduction targets, promote economic growth, and enhance resilience to climate change.
It set a new standard for proactive government planning across multiple sectors, replacing the previous fragmented and voluntary approach with a cohesive, strategic effort to address climate challenges.
Under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada’s pollution levels have dropped to their lowest in
27 years, highlighting the effectiveness of the government’s climate policies.
Prior to 2015, Canada’s greenhouse gas pollution trendline was upward with the provincial governments of that time doing the lionshare of the emissions reductions. Trudeau also achieved this in the context of lack of provincial cooperation within the confederation from especially current governments in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
All of this progress has been achieved despite the formidable challenges posed by decades-long climate disinformation campaign from the fossil fuel industry and the unprecedented disruptions of a global pandemic.
These policies have had significant impacts, including:
1. Enacting the Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act.
2. Strengthening Climate Targets.
3. Regulating Oil and Gas Pollution.
4. Supporting Workers Through the Sustainable Jobs Act.
5. Addressing Environmental Racism.
6. Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Subsidies.
7. Launching the National Adaptation Strategy.
8. Revision of Canada’s Food Guide (2019).
9. Clean Electricity Regulations.
10. Implementing Carbon Pricing.
Despite these accomplishments, significant challenges remain. The purchase of the Trans Mountain Pipeline underscored the tension between climate commitments and fossil fuel interests, eroding public trust in the government’s climate commitment. Moving forward, the next Liberal leader must build on Trudeau’s legacy by championing bold climate policies that facilitate a just
transition away from fossil fuels. At the same time, they must address the rising income inequality, which has reached its highest level since 1999, when records first began.
“The climate emergency is upon us. As Canada approaches a federal election, robust and inclusive climate action must be central to the agendas of all political parties,” says Cathy Orlando, National Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada.
Through continued collaboration and innovation, Canada’s climate journey can serve as a model for action, ensuring a legacy of leadership and a future where Canadians are remembered as good ancestors—those who acted decisively to safeguard the planet for future generations.
Letters to the Editor
Readers remember Mikael’s Steak & Burger
Re: ‘Memories of Mikael’s Steak & Burger’, Deja Views, Beach Metro Community News, Jan. 21.
I am delighted to share a cherished memory of Mikael’s Steak & Burger— I have many from those years.
During the 1970s, Mikael’s was more than just a restaurant; it was our gathering place, our warm refuge on cold winter nights.
The owners, a hardworking family, were always there— the father, I believe his name was John (not Mikael), his wife (whose name, regrettably, escapes me), their son, who often worked alongside them, and their much younger daughter.
They put their hearts into that place, and their kindness never wavered, except for a few of the kids that would come in and give them the gears.
My friends and I claimed the front window as our spot, feeding the jukebox, sipping on hot chocolate or Coke, and— like so many teenagers then—smoking our cigarettes. We were never a rowdy bunch, just regulars who found comfort in our home away from home - so to speak.
They never hurried us along or made us feel unwelcome, perhaps knowing that even a quiet presence made the place feel inviting to passersby. Most customers took their food to go.
The food was by no means stellar— but the burgers and milkshakes were legendary.
As business grew, they expanded into the shop next door, adding a cigarette machine and pinball games, which, naturally, brought even more people in.
In fact, Mikael’s played a small but special role in my own wedding day—my husband, in a moment of pre-ceremony jitters, stopped by with his younger brother for a burger and a few rounds of pinball to settle his nerves. After 45 years of marriage, I’d say it worked out pretty well!
Mikael’s and the Goof were our hangouts back then, just as the Mac’s Milk at the foot of Hammersmith became a meeting spot for our own children in the early to mid 2000s. It’s places
This photo of Mikael’s Steak & Burger (believed to have been taken in the early 1980s) on Queen Street East in the Beach appeared in the Jan. 21 Deja Views feature in Beach Metro Community News. David Van Dyke, who does Deja Views, asked readers to share their memories of Mikael’s and they responded.
like these—unassuming yet deeply woven into the fabric of our lives—that stay with us, long after the doors have closed. With kindest regards.
Herd
Half a hamburger and half a hot dog
Re: ‘Memories of Mikael’s Steak & Burger’, Deja Views, Beach Metro Community News, Jan. 21.
I wanted to send you my Mikael’s Steak & Burger story.
We lived on Scarborough Road near Queen Street East from about 1971 to 1977. I would have been three or four when we moved there. I remember that occasionally my parents would give me some money and send me down to Mikael’s to get food for the family.
I remember it had a few tables, and a pickup counter. There was a side room off the main room that had foosball tables. I never went in there, but I could see the foosball tables from the counter where I waited to get the food.
There was usually some older kidsteenagers, or maybe a little older, who would be playing the games in there. What I mostly remember was waiting after I ordered while they made the food. I would stand by the counter and tap my foot to the music they were playing - I think they had a jukebox, but I couldn’t swear to it.
I always tapped my foot inside my sneaker and thought I was very clever because nobody else knew that I was tapping my foot.
Then when the food was ready, I’d take it home to the family. I have a vaguer memory of being there and waiting with my dad, so maybe we did that the
first couple of times and then he’d just send me.
I remember getting it home and I would always split a hamburger and a hot dog with my father - half eachand I remember the hot dog was very big with sear marks from the grill, and I would eat it just as it came - I don’t think they asked what condiments we wanted, so the hot dog always had relish on it.
I was a very picky eater as a kid - my mum would make lasagna and I would scrape everything of it and just leave the bare noodles, to her despair - so this
was very much an anomaly for me, but I ate it as it was a part of the experience. We never ate in, and when we moved to Bellefair Avenue in 1977, we never went back.
The painting shown in the photo I have sent belonged to my mother. It’s painted by local artist Elizabeth Berry and captures Mikael’s back in its glory days, with a Red Rocket to boot!
I hope this is interesting to you. It always sticks in my mind as a happy memory, so it was fun to recount it.
Ben Kahn
Margaret
(nee Siller)
This photo of Elizabeth Berry’s painting of Queen Street East featuring Mikael’s Steak & Burger was sent in to David Van Dyke by reader Ben Kahn. The painting belonged to Ben’s mother.
Community Calendar
FEB. 9: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents Schmaltz & Pepper at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 2 p.m. Toronto Symphony’s principal clarinetist Eric Abramovitz and friends perform Klezmer, Yiddish swing and original music inspired by jazz, classical, Roma and more. Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at door. Info: kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com
FEB. 10: Jam Nite at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 7 p.m. Bring your instrument and/ or voice, and come jam with fellow community members on musical favourites old and new. All ages welcome. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
FEB. 12: The Beach & East Toronto Historical Society presents Music Historian Mark Vendramini at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:30 p.m. Topic: “Yonge Street’s Incredible Music and Pop Culture History”. Admission is free. All welcome. Info: tbeths.com
FEB. 12: Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre, 3600 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. “An Engineer’s Approach to Houseplant Care” by Darryl Cheng, well-known author and speaker. Free. Refreshments included. Guests welcome. FEB. 14: Valentine’s Dinner and Show at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St. Doors open 5 p.m. A fun evening with delicious food and a vibrant show by the singing duo, The Sparkelettes! Cost: Early Bird (before Feb. 3rd) $30 per person. After Feb. 3rd: $35. Kids 12 and under $15. Info: 416-261-4222, admin@stpaulsscarborough.org
FEB. 15: Acoustic Harvest presents Julian Taylor in An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Friends: Robert Priest, Rosanne Baker Thornley and Tyler Ellis, at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Opening performance by Quote the Raven. Tickets $35 advance, $40 cash at door. Tickets: www.ticketscene. ca/events/48949/. Info: www.acousticharvest.ca
FEB. 17: Toronto Beaches Lions Club Free Family Skate Day at Ted Reeve Arena (Main St. & Gerrard St. E.), 3-5 p.m. Hot chocolate and other treats. Cash donations and donations of used eyeglasses accepted and appreciated. Info: www.beacheslions.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE BREAKFAST to homeless people from 5-8:30 a.m., Tuesday to Friday. at St. John The Compassionate Orthodox Mission, 155 Broadview Ave. Serving the homeless who spend the winter nights walking our east end streets. If interested, please email br. Luke at info@stjohnsmission.org. Info: 416-466-1357
BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups
A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
AL -ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays –alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), Feb. 4, 18, March 4, 18; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25 •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.), •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). No lunch Feb 17, April 9, 16, 21. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869
GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Feb 11: Seniors E-Connect (Drop-in Tech Help for Seniors), 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your cell phone, iPad, laptop, or other device, and get tech help from our polite, tech-savvy teen volunteers. Drop-in. Held every second Tuesday. •Feb 14: PA Day Program - Sew Felt Hearts, 2-3 p.m. For children ages 6-12. Registration required. •Feb 15: Chess Club, 1-4 p.m. Drop by for a few casual games of chess on our 2nd floor. All ages. Every Saturday. Info: 416-397-7717
FEB. 19: Beaches-East York All-Candidates Meeting at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Balmy Beach Residents Association, Beach Metro Community News and Community Centre 55. FEB. 22: A Senior Moment Luncheon for Ladies at the Stone Lion, 1958 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. We are proud to announce that we have reached our one-year anniversary. We have planned a surprise! Look forward to seeing you all there. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042
FEB. 23, MARCH 2: Scarborough Model Railroaders Train Show at 17 Jeavons Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Two floors of layout. 1500 square foot 1980’s era HO scale layout set in Southern Ontario featuring freight and passenger train operations with sound effects. Our 1300 square Foot N scale layout features double track mainline running through mountain scenery. Watch 60 to 80 car freight trains and full-length passenger trains operate through the old and new sections of the layout. A fun event for families and kids of all ages. Large amounts of HO & N Scale Equipment for sale. Tickets: Adult $10, Children $5, CASH or Etransfer Author Reading with Roxana Spicer at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 7:30 p.m. Roxana Spicer will be reading from her book, The Traitor’s Daughter, with a Q&A to follow. We will also be giving away one copy of the book at the event! Pay-what-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com Pancake Supper at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 5-7 p.m. Adults $10, Kids $5 (incl. pancakes, sausages, drinks). Info: 416261-4222, admin@stpaulsscarborough.org
The Healthy Brain: Maximizing brain health through diet and supplements with Dr. Aileen BurfordMason, world renowned Orthomolecular Nutritionist, PhD Immunology & Masters in Biochemistry, at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd, 7-9 p.m. Register to hear. Reserve in advance at 416-699-3084 or email fboffice@rogers.com. Pay $30 at the door.
MONDAYS: WEE FOLKS DROP IN at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. except holidays. Ages up to 3 socialize with nannies, parents, grandparents and other kids. Play-time, stories and snacks provided.
WEDNESDAYS: BINGO!! at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 1 p.m. Weekly. $5 to play 5 games for fun and small prizes. Info: 416261-4222, admin@stpaulsscarborough.org
THURSDAYS: GRACE PASCOE CARE CENTRE Food Bank, 72 Main St., Thursdays, 6:30-9 p.m, by appointment only, through Daily Bread Food Bank. Info: 416-691-2899, gpcc@calvary-baptist-church.ca, www. gracepascoefoodbank.ca/access-our-services
FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., is open from 3:30- 6 p.m. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for members in their household on their first visit and annually thereafter. Time slots are handed out and clients are encouraged to arrive at the food bank the time slot they have selected. Info.: 416-690-5169
BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Services are led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and our minister Rev. Greg Daly. Nathalie Zeta, our children and youth coordinator, has Sunday School programming around the weekly worship theme. In addition to Sunday services, Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Info and links: beachunitedchurch.com ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. Welcome to St. John the Baptist Norway! We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-Person/Livestream and at 5 p.m. In-Person for The Table, a contemporary service followed by a simple community supper. Come and see! Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560 THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. We live this out through our vibrant children’s and youth programs, diverse sacred music offerings, and active community outreach and environmental stewardship ministries. On Sundays, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the 10:30 service. Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and crafts on Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Out of the Cold dinners are served Mondays from 5-6:30 p.m. Weekly euchre on Tuesdays 7-9 p.m., enter from the northeast side door. It’s $5 to play, with all proceeds benefiting outreach. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222 GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E., invites you to our Sunday Worship Service at 11 a.m. in person or live stream on ZOOM, YouTube and Facebook. Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer Wednesday mornings at 6:30 on our prayer line. Dial-in No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code: 700 6901#. Info.: www. grantame.com, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca, 416-690-5169 ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. Parish priest is Fr. Joshua Roldan. Weekend Masses: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am. Weekday Masses with Rosary: Tue. - Fri. doors open and Rosary begins at 7:45 am followed by Mass at 8:15 am. Confessions every Sat. 3:45 to 4:15 pm or by appt. Church website and phone: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105
Beach author Jane Blondie releases children book Do Not Turn the Page
By Matthew Stephens
FROM SCHOOL teacher to children’s author; Beacher Jane Blondie is preparing for the release of her book, titled Do Not Turn the Page
The book is set to officially release today (Feb. 4), with a launch party event set for Saturday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.)
Unlike traditional children’s books, Blondie’s story takes an interactive approach to the storytelling process.
“The story is about a little boy named Charlie, and Charlie does not want to take a bath,” said Blondie. “So, he’s speaking directly to the readers through the whole thing.”
In the story, the unassuming and rebellious protagonist Charlie is insistent on refusing a bath. As the pages turn and Charlie gets closer to cleanliness, he becomes more submissive to the idea of getting clean.
Described as an “interactive picture book,” the writing style makes readers feel like they are part of the story; as Charlie urges them to close the book so he can avoid his much-needed bath time.
She has lived locally since 2013 near Victoria Park Avenue and Gerrard Street East. Blondie said support from the community has helped to uplift her during the creative process of publishing a book.
“People are really supportive. I’ve always felt since I moved here that we’re a small town in a big city,” said Blondie.
“People are friendly here, so I would say the support from neighbours and friends in the community – just to be able to share that with people has been great.”
With “bright and vivid” illustrations from Ontario artist Marcus Cutler, the story is brought to life with colourful scenes of Charlie moving throughout his day-to-day activities in the house and yard – getting dirtier and dirtier with every turn of the page.
For Blondie, an effective use of illustrations and text is part of what makes children’s books captivating for readers.
“I think illustrations that are very well done; the kids will be drawn to the illustrations, as well text that is not too long and just the right kind of text, and something that they can connect with,” said Blondie.
Prior to working on the book, Blondie was no stranger to the character Charlie. He was first introduced as a marionette puppet to her classes at Crestview Public School where she works as a drama and dance specialist teacher for the TDSB (Toronto District School Board).
“For the past 20 years, I’ve had a marionette puppet named Charlie. Charlie is ridiculous, and the kids have always been drawn to him,” said Blondie.
“The more I brought him out, the more kids wanted to see him, and then he got his own voice. So, for me, my creative process was taking the character that I know
Continued on Page 13
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Author Jane Blondie with her book Do Not Turn the Page at Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore on Kingston Road.
The Main Menu
Winter warmers to get you cooking for Valentine’s Day
JAn MAin
is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
We are well into the deep freeze of winter with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.
It is the perfect time to pull out recipes that welcome, suggest warmth and invite fellowship. There is nothing like a delicious meal shared with friends and loved ones to say Happy Valentine’s!
Old Fashioned Onion Soup
More than “just a bowl” of soup this hearty classic is a meal in itself. Simply add crusty bread, a special salad and a decadent dessert and you will more than warm the hearts of those around your table!
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter
6 cups (1 1/2 L) thinly sliced cooking
onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour
6 cups (1 1/2 L) beef stock
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
3/4 cup (175 mL) dry white wine
Topping: 6 sliced 1/2 inch French bread
toasted
1/2 -2 cups (500 mL) shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
Sprinkling grated, Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese
In large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onions and garlic together, stirring often to prevent burning but cook gently until a deep golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir in to combine.
Gradually stir in beef stock, cooking until thickened slightly. Add bay leaf, salt, pepper and wine, stirring to combine well. Discard bay leaf.
Meanwhile, heat oven to 325 F (170 C) to toast bread in oven until golden.
Spoon onion soup mixture into 2 cup (500 mL) oven proof dishes; top with a slice of toast, Swiss and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Bake in oven until cheese is melted and soup is heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes 4-6 servings.
Boston Salad with Cucumbers, Dill and Smoked Salmon
Boston lettuce (soft rounds leaf lettuce) is readily available now as a product of Ontario greenhouses. Their buttery leaves have a delicate flavour, and are a perfect backdrop to smoked salmon or shrimp.
3 heads, Boston lettuce washed, dried, leaves separated
1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced and cut in halves
1/4-1/2 cup (50 mL) Fresh dill, washed, dried and finely chopped
12 slices of smoked salmon, each slice
rolled into rosettes
Lemon Dill Vinaigrette
1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh lemon juice
(about 3 lemons)
2 tbsp (25 mL) fresh dill leaves, finely chopped
1 1/2 cup (375 mL) vegetable oil
2 tbsp (25 mL) liquid honey
1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) fresh black pepper
Leave the lettuce leaves whole and combine in a mixing bowl with cucumber slices and chopped dill.
Make the vinaigrette: In a blender add lemon juice, dill leaves, oil, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Combine until well blended. Pour into jar. Just before serving salad, pour over just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat leaves. Refrigerate remaining vinaigrette for future salads.
Arrange the lettuce, dill and cucumber on 6 individual plates garnished with 2 smoked salmon rosettes each. If you prefer, cooked shrimp could be substituted for the salmon. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Salad may be made about an hour before serving but should be dressed with vinaigrette just before serving to prevent being wilted and limp.
To make rosette: Starting from the short end of the smoked salmon slice roll the salmon evenly from the one end to the other; pick it up at its base and shape top of salmon to look like petals. Nestle it amongst the lettuce and cucumber. Makes 6 servings.
Chocolate Truffle Torte
Surprisingly easy to make, this torte is a decadent treat!
1 pkg imported Amaretti biscuits, use about 20 8 oz semi or bittersweet quality chocolate 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
1/4-1/3 cup rum, brandy, Amaretto or Grand Marnier
1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream
Garnish:
1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream
1/4 cup (50 mL) icing sugar
2 tbsp (25 mL) rum, brandy or vanilla Line the bottom of an 8- inch (20 cm) cake pan with parchment paper. Take about 20 Amaretti and crush them with a rolling pin or hands to coarse crumbs. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over the bottom of the cake pan. Set aside while making torte.
Break chocolate into chunks and place in a mixing bowl, over a saucepan of simmering water. Add the butter cut into cubes and allow to melt together stirring often.
Chocolate does not need a great deal of heat to melt. This will only take a few minutes. Stir to assist melting until smooth. Remove from heat.
Cool slightly and stir in liquor of choice. Cool on counter. Meanwhile whip cream to stiff peaks. Once chocolate is cool, fold in whipped cream until an even chocolate colour.
Spread chocolate mixture evenly over the amaretti crumbs.
Cover and refrigerate until firm. May be made several days in advance, cover and refrigerate or freeze for longer storage. (more than 1 week)
To Serve: Unmold on serving platter, crumb side up.
Beat remaining cream until stiff. Gradually beat in icing sugar then liquor or vanilla. Spoon cream into piping bag and pipe decoratively around the base of cake. Alternatively, serve a dollop of whipped cream with each slice of torte.
Makes 8-12 servings.
Meet Juno Veterinary:
The new clinic opened by our own east-end residents
With its beautiful beach boardwalk and ample dog parks, the east-end is hands-down one of Toronto’s favourite neighbourhoods for pets and pet owners alike. So it’s no surprise that popular Toronto vet clinic Juno Veterinary has been planning an eastend location since its early days, with its Leslieville clinic now open at the intersection of Queen Street East. and Carlaw Avenue.
But what may surprise you is that beyond a growing demand for talented and compassionate vets across the city, there’s a personal reason for Juno’s east-end opening, due to the founders residing with their families just blocks away from the Leslieville clinic.
Juno’s co-founders—long-time friends and pet owners—developed the idea of a comfortable, convenient vet clinic in conversation with another long-time friend, trained veterinarian, and third co-founder, Dr. Cassandra Vlahaki. The three saw potential in focusing on the experience of veterinary care— unhurried appointments, easy online booking, and even an app where pet owners can ask those is-this-anemergency-or-not questions (sorry, Dr. Google).
And while Juno’s first few clinics have opened to great success across the city, calling Summerhill, Leaside, Bloor West, and King West home, the three were eagerly awaiting the launch of the new Leslieville clinic.
“Since day one we’ve been looking for just the right location to open our doors in Leslieville,”
shares Dr. Cassandra Vlahaki, Chief Medical Officer. “Leslieville, Riverdale, the Beaches… these neighbourhoods are eager for a personal relationship with their vet clinic—where their vet recognizes their pup at the dog park, and where their cat doesn’t hide under the couch when the carrier comes out.”
“The east-end is already so well-known for quality vet care, and we can’t wait to join the neighbourhood,” continues Dr. Cassandra. “Another healthcare option for pets means more availability and less waiting. Toronto pet owners are some of the kindest, most well-informed ones out there and we’re excited to meet more of you.”
With a growing number of pets across the country—almost 80% of Canadian households have some kind of pet—more vet care options are a welcome addition. Juno offers all the basic pet care services like wellness visits, dental, vaccinations, surgeries, and spays and neuters, as well as travel certificates, behaviour management, and compassionate end-of-life care. In addition to their in-clinic services, they also have a unique messaging feature on their mobile app, allowing members to chat with registered vet technicians 24/7—ideal for following up on treatments, gauging if an appointment is necessary, or checking in on medications.
Juno veterinarians and east-end residents
Dr. Noreen Sumar and Dr. Camille Hidebrandt are two team members excited about the new clinic, both living just a few blocks from the new clinic.
“There’s something really wonderful about getting to work where you live,” shares Dr. Noreen. “As a vet, it’s impossible not to care about the animals you see—catching a glimpse of a pup I treated on a walk, or spying a moody cat I’ve cared for lounging in a window completely makes my day!”
With its doors now open, Juno’s new Leslieville clinic is booking in pets and welcoming all furry visitors to pop in and say hello. Plus, new patients can enjoy a welcome kit of free goodies for a limited time. Beaches readers get access to their first year of membership free—a $50 value—by using promo code BEACHES50 when you sign up and book your first appointment. Visit www.junovet.com for more information, or drop by the clinic at 980 Queen Street West (Queen & Carlaw).
I Firkin Love the Beach campaign aims to support local businesses, Centre 55
THE GULL and Firkin pub on Queen Street East in the Beach will be doing its part to support local businesses and also help out Centre 55 during the month of February.
Located at 1943 Queen St. E., The Gull and Firkin has been in the community for more than 20 years.
Owner Dana Kerbel said this February’s I Firkin Love the Beach events have a dual purpose. The campaign will help to raise funds in support of Centre 55’s Send A Kid to Camp program, and also help boost businesses on Queen Street East. “It’s to help local businesses and also to support the very important work Community Centre 55 does,” said Kerbel.
She said the deep winter months can be challenging for some businesses along Queen Street East in the Beach as customer traffic from visitors to the area is much less than when the weather is warmer. “This time of year can be super challenging. A lot of people are trying to save money after the holidays, the weather’s getting colder and people don’t want to go out as much,” said Kerbel.
She said during the winter, the businesses depend on the support of local residents.
I Firkin Love the Beach will be celebrating the loyalty and importance of the neighbourhood customers to the Queen Street East businesses. “This promotion gives people a reason to go out,” said Kerbel.
The Gull and Firkin will be awarding $50 gift certificates each week in February for an independent business located along Queen Street East. To win, customers can fill out a ballot at the pub. To encourage residents to get out and have fun in the Beach this month,
The Gull and Firkin will be featuring live music on Saturday nights, food specials, a Valentine’s Day event, the viewing of a number of high-profile sports, and a silent auction featuring local businesses on Sunday, Feb. 23.
I Firkin Love the Beach will also feature live musical performances by Mac Mehew and The Bar Tabs on Saturday, Feb. 8; Don Myers and John Cantin on Saturday, Feb. 15; and Bucko on Saturday, Feb. 22. For details, contact The Gull and Firkin at 416-693-9337 or www.firkinpubs.com/thegullandfirkin
Book aims to make children laugh and smile
very well and putting him into a book and creating a story around him.”
Blondie has been working on the story over the last six years. It was during the COVID-19 lockdowns where her idea for an interactive children’s book starring Charlie really came into fruition.
‘Beach’ from Page 9 Charlie was in different spots in the house and in the yard; where he was talking directly to the kids, and I got a lot of good feedback when I went back to school the next year,” said Blondie. “So, then I thought OK, I’ve got to do a story where Charlie is talking right to the reader.”
“During the lockdown, I started doing videos where
She said Do Not Turn the Page can be enjoyed by child readers of all ages.
“My greatest joy out of this will be to bring children joy. I want this book to make them smile, to make them laugh, to make them be like ‘Read it again, read it again!’ I want them to really enjoy reading.”
Do Not Turn the Page is available at book stores including Ella Minnow Children’s Book Store on Kingston Road, and Indigo.
For tickets go to TO DANSIN at Eventbrite
OOPS MOMENT #46:
UROSPOT Erin Craven, Expert Contributor
Have you ever laughed, coughed, or sneezed and felt a bladder leak? Do you wear black to the gym in case of an accident while working out? Do you always need to know where the closest washroom is, because when you have to go…you have to go? If you can relate to any of these situations you are not alone.
Bladder leaks and urgency issues can certainly a ect men, but did you know that it impacts as many as 2/3 of women over the age of 35. is problem is extremely common, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. Most people struggle in silence with only 10% of women seeking medical help and waiting on average 6.5 years from their rst symptom before getting help.
54% of women struggling with bladder leaks report a loss of condence and 45% give up intimacy for fear of embarrassment. People begin to restrict their activities, giving up the things they used to enjoy (like running, hiking, playing tennis) to help manage the risk of a leak.
Springdale Boulevard in the 1920s
By David Van Dyke
Thank you Marj Rice for sending the above photograph of the house her grandfather built on Springdale Boulevard sometime in the 1920s. Marj’s father, Gordon Quarrington, sits on the steps. Marj informs me that this was the first house on the block and I believe her. Look at all the space around this dwelling place! Do you have an old pic of your house kicking around? Why not share it with our readership? Contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com
Here’s the good news. It doesn’t have to be this way. A brand new clinic has opened up in e Beach. UROSPOT™ o ers breakthrough technology to end bladder leaks and say goodbye to pads. Strengthening the pelvic oor is doctor recommended rst line treatment. At UROSPOT this is achieved without being invasive or awkward. As the o cial home to the Kegel rone™, UROSPOT uses Health Canada and FDA approved highly focused electromagnetic energy that delivers 11,000 Kegels in just 28 minutes, simply by sitting on a chair and remaining fully clothed.
After 6 sessions 95% of women and men reported a signi cant quality of life improvement and over 2/3 eliminated or drastically reduced the use of pads. It gets better. ere’s only one side e ect….enhanced sexual functioning. We call that a bonus!
it’s time to take control of our health, stay independent longer and restore our con dence and freedom.
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
Calling an election nobody needs or wants
Carving up the Greenbelt for his developer friends
Undermining the collective agreements of workers in Ontario
Leaving millions of people in Ontario without a family doctor
Ballooning the Ontario Autism Program waitlist to over 73,000 children
Endangering both the environment and species with Highway 413
Limiting the number of consumption and treatment centres
Failing to consult with Indigenous People on the Ring of Fire
Spending $612 million to put booze in convenience stores
Interfering in municipal affairs and ripping out bike lanes
Decreasing education funding and increasing class sizes
Inking a secret sweetheart deal to privatize Ontario Place
Walking away from the promise to build 1.5 million homes
Forcing emergency rooms and hospital units to close
Slashing Seniors’ OHIP coverage for eye exams
Trying to buy votes with $200 rebate cheques
Closing down the Science Centre
Failing to fix hallway healthcare
Mary-Margaret McMahon
The winning designs for Winter Stations 2025 have been announced. The 11th annual display of art installations along Woodbine Beach will open on Family Day (Monday, Feb. 17) and continue through until the end of March. Among the winning designs are (clockwise from top left): Slice of Sun by designers Claudia Franco, Mariam Daudali and Thomas Byrom of Portugal; Ascolto by designers Ines Dessaint and Tonin Letondu of France; Peak by the University of Waterloo – Department of Architecture; and Solair by Toronto Metropolitan University.
Winter Stations 2025 art installations for Woodbine Beach announced
WINTER STATIONS has announced the six art installations that will be part of its 11th annual exhibition along Woodbine Beach this year.
The 2025 version of Winter Stations will open on Family Day weekend in February and continue through until the end of March.
The six winning installation designs are Parade (from the United States); Watch (from the United States); Ascolto (from France); Slice of Sun (from Portugal); Peak (by the University of Waterloo); and Solair (by Toronto Metropolitan University).
Started in 2015 as a way to highlight the beauty of the Eastern Beaches and make them a destination point for outdoor art installations during February and March, Winter Stations sees the artworks set up at the lifeguard stations along Woodbine Beach. Each year an international competition re-
ceives entries connected to that year’s Winter Stations’ theme. The founders of Winter Stations are RAW Design, Ferris + Associates and Curio.
The theme for Winter Stations 2025 was Dawn.
“Designers were invited to explore how Winter Stations can evolve, and to consider the future of the exhibition and its relationship wit the public and the environment,” said the news release announcing this year’s installations.
“Through this lens, Dawn challenges designers to explore how Winter Stations can adapt, grow and metamorphose in the coming years, shaping the urban landscape in imaginative and innovative ways.”
Hundreds of entries were received from design teams around the world, and from Ontario universities and colleges, for Win-
ter Stations 2025. The winners were selected a jury comprised of Aaron Knight, Adam Barrett, Alana Mercury, Lily Jeon, and Jon Jeronimus. Winter Stations is sponsored by RAW Design, Northcrest Developments, Resident Properties, Crombie REIT & Sobeys, MicroPro Sienna, BEHR Paint.
“After celebrating a decade of Winter Stations last year, we really wanted to look forward and challenge artists and designers to consider the future of the Stations,” said RAW Design architect Dakota Wares-Tani.
“In reviewing the hundreds of submissions, we feel the selected installations brought something unique and exciting to the Beach for 2025 and we can’t wait to see them enjoyed by the public this winter.”
Here are the six installations that will make up Winter Stations 2025 on Woodbine Beach:
(Anita Hu, Catherine Zheng, Isaac Walsh, Jason Cai, Nadine Hijazi, Ricardo Espinoza, with faculty supervisor Fiona Li Tung; University of Waterloo – Department of Architecture)
“Emerging from the soft and organic beachscape are angular peaks that frame perspectives and form pathways. Consisting of repeating structures of select shapes and sizes, Peak is an interactive installation that visually contrasts the existing site and offers refuge from the cold winter environment. The design of the structure appears to shift and settle with the ground as the sand moves and collects within the alcoves and sloped surfaces from the wind,” said the Winter Stations news release.
“Peak welcomes contemplation and new
Continued on Page 17
Peak
This rendering shows the Parade art installation designed by Jesse Beus of the United States. The installation is one of six winning designs that will make up the Winter Stations 2025 display along Woodbine Beach this month and next.
Opening set for Family Day
‘Winter’ from Page 16
beginnings, it offers opportunities for individuals to freely explore and admire the surrounding natural landscape and intends to give agency to the ever changing and unpredictable conditions of the site.”
Parade
(Jesse Beus; United States)
“Parade is a celebration of those who live in the warm dawn of self-acceptance. It is comprised of six characters each with their own unique colour, shape, purpose, and identity,” said the Winter Stations news release.
“Together this eclectic cast of follies proudly march together in an unstoppable procession and invite all to join them! Users join the parade through an archway and move from character to character discovering each’s personality and interactivity, including sliding, sitting, and shading. Despite anything that might try to get in their way, these six friends will march on until love has dawned on all hearts.”
WATCH
(Trae Home; United States)
“As the morning sun crests above Lake Ontario’s horizon, a new day dawns on the crisp morning, and a wood canvas basks in the light. WATCH reflects on the specific point in time that it and visitors are within. The large, canted façade acts as a leaning respite for watchers of the sunrise and lake,” said the Winter Stations news release.
“Facing due east, WATCH is a solar aligned structure anticipating equinox. Just as ancient civilizations marked the earth in ways to signify the time in the year and an important place, so too does WATCH. Three metal lines embedded in the sand follow the shadows throughout the three days: the day Winter Stations open, the equinox, and the day the Winter Stations close. The a-framed structure captures the equinox in Toronto as the architecture becomes perfectly aligned with the sunrise when light spills in a straight line through the open threshold.”
Ascolto
(Ines Dessaint, Tonin Letondu; France)
“In Ascolto, the sound experience is commemorated. This acoustic shelter welcomes the user in a contemplation space, not only visually but also audibly. Supported adjacent to the lifeguard tower on one side and buried in the sand on the other, the object creates a sound capsule,” said the Winter Stations news release.
“The simple and minimalist shape is explicit and refers clearly to a sound-amplifier object (horn, wind instruments, gramophone and etc…).
“Built in wood, the inner space is big enough for two or three people for a more intimate experience. Visitors to the station bring the project to life by choosing their desired purpose and through this process adapt to it: hearing nature and its surroundings; appreciating the music chosen on their phones; or creating a musical performance. Usable as a horn on one hand, the project can also be utilized as an Ear Trumpet: the two sides are both the sender’s side and the receiver’s side.”
Slice of Sun
(Claudia Franco, Mariam Daudali, Thomas Byrom; Portugal)
“For a moment, we recall our summer memories. When you live in a city, dawn is mainly brought to you by glimpses of orange light scattered from your neighbour’s windows switching from one to the other,” said the Winter Stations news release.
“One wonders how many dreams can fit into the blinking box of orange curtains. We invite you to enter our slice of sun and feel embraced by dawn light at any time of the day.” Solair
(Arjun Jain – lead; Jade Wong – lead; Finn Ferrall, Marko Sikic, Nick Kisil; with faculty supervisor Vincent Hui; Toronto Metropolitan University – Department of Architectural Science)
“Solair is a sculptural installation that captures the ephemeral beauty of dawn through the interplay of light, wind, and reflection. Inspired by the delicate transition from night to day, Solair amplifies the forces of nature – sunlight and air – transforming them into a dynamic, ever-changing visual and sensory experience,” said the Winter Stations news release.
“Standing as both a literal and metaphorical beacon, Solair is designed to reflect and refract sunlight while channeling the waterfront breeze to cultivate a distinct auditory expression. The installation’s dynamic surfaces respond to the movement of wind, creating rippling shadows and flickering patterns of light, echoing the energy of the first rays of morning and lasting glimpse of sunset. As visitors move around and through the installation, they become active participants in this amplified natural performance, immersed in the harmony of air and light.”
Winter Stations officially opens along Woodbine Beach on Monday, Feb. 17 (Family Day) at noon.
For more information on Winter Stations 2025, please go to www.winterstations.com
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals in our community
Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft
Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed
COACH JAZZ
Holistic Fitness Coach! Forget rigid programs; let’s create a balanced, empowering routine that cooperates with your body. hello@coachjazz.com www.coachjazz.com
Pilates & Personal Training for women over 50
Experienced guidance in a friendly and encouraging environment. Email: info@Cristinagranados.com Text: 416-833-8848 Code: Fit
Certified Metabolic Balance Specialist leahhoniball@gmail.com
Looking for a realistic, safe and uniquely tailored weight loss program to achieve sustainable, lasting results? A program based on your own blood work and eating that best suits you. Contact Leah to start your transformation.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com
DR. PAULA MICELI
Clinical/Health Psychologist Consultations • Individual Therapy Virtual & In-person Services Over 9 years experience. 416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.com
Lea Konforte Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying RP (Q) DOG ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY In-person & online for Individuals, couples & families Anxiety, Relationships, Grief, Trauma, Stress www.holisticmindcare.ca
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.
• Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com 416-690-6800
Melani Norman CPA, CMA
Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
Accepting New Clients Professional accounting and bookkeeping services tailored to your needs. I provide expert financial solutions for individuals and small businesses.
www.magnoliabizsolutions.ca Email: magnolia_mbs@outlook.com
Dashwood & Dashwood
Barristers & Solicitors
Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
Snider & DiGregorio
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal
Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED
REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
KATHRYN WRIGHT
Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
NEXT DEADLINE FEBRUARY 10
GARRY M. CASS
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com
Glover & Associates
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith
QUINN Family Law
Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
at beachmetro.com/mailchimp-subscription or visit beachmetro.com and click the NEWSLETTER button on the homepage
Jen Goddard, R.M.T.
Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East 416-690-6257
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Provincial Election 2025
Candidates identify issues of importance as election date set
‘East’ from Page 1
A lawyer and community volunteer, Liberal candidate Jackson lives in the Scarborough Southwest riding and her family has been rooted in Scarborough for more than 40 years.
In addition to her law practice, Jackson co-founded a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting firm called Blink Equity and has sat on many boards including the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals, the Parish Council at her local church, and served as a Councillor on the Professional Engineers Ontario’s regulatory body.
She is also a committed community volunteer and currently sits on the Parent Council of her children’s school and is a Director at the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre. In her spare time, Jackson enjoys spending time with her spouse and two young boys, sewing, fashion design, DIY projects, and speaking at events to inspire youth.
Green Party candidate Bekkering is a committed community leader with more than 30 years of public service experience. Working with the City of Toronto, he spearheaded transformative initiatives including TransformTO, the Home Energy Loan Program, and PollinateTO. His work focuses on balancing climate action with the
economic and social needs of his community.
In a news release, Bekkering said he is frustrated by Premier Doug Ford and the previous Liberal government’s failure to address issues such as affordable housing, homelessness, climate change and traffic congestion, Bekkering joined the Ontario Greens in 2024.
At press deadline, Beach Metro Community News did not have any further information on Scarborough Progressive Conservative candidate
BEACHES-EAST YORK
Challenging incumbent McMahon for the Beaches-East York seat are NDP candidate Kate Dupuis and Progressive Conservative candidate Anna Michaelidis.
At this moment, Beach Metro Community News is not aware of who the Green Party candidate is for Beaches-East York.
McMahon was first elected as the riding’s MPP in the 2022 provincial election. Dupuis also ran for the NDP in the riding in the 2022 provincial election, finishing second to McMahon.
Prior to McMahon’s election, the riding was held by NDP MPP Rima Berns-McGown from 2018 to 2022. Berns-McGown did not run for reelection in 2022. Before her, Liberal Arthur Potts was the Beaches-East York MPP from 2014 to 2018. Prior
to that, the riding was held by NDP MP Michael Prue from 2001 to 2014.
Prior to being elected MPP in 2022, McMahon served as the City of Toronto Councillor for Ward 32 Beaches-East York from 2010 to 2018. She did not run for re-election as councillor in the 2018 municipal election as she had said in 2010 that she would only serve in the position for two terms.
“Since 1991, I have been active in our community, collaborating with our neighbours to make it the best place in the world to live (in my humble opinion!). From 2010-2018, I served as your City Councillor, working tirelessly to improve your home, street, and neighbourhood, while spearheading city wide projects such as TransformTO, Vision Zero, and Laneway Suites,” said McMahon her statement last week to Beach Metro Community News
“As your MPP, since 2022, I have been an equally strong champion for Beaches-East York, advocating at Queen’s Park for bold climate policy, improved healthcare, better housing solutions, safer schools, and reliable transportation for our community and all Ontarians. I am a true collaborator who is willing to work across party lines to get things done – in fact I was one of the only Opposition Members to successfully pass a Private Members’ Bill in 2024 – Bill 211: Person’s Day Act, 2024. I have hosted rallies in our Riding to save the Greenbelt
and keep the Ontario Science Centre open, and my office has been instrumental in thousands of cases to help local constituents get the care and attention they need. I am truly here to serve.”
She said the run of two successive majority governments by Ford’s Progressive Conservatives, who were first elected in 2018, has taken toll on Ontario’s residents.
“After seven years of his Conservative cuts, 2.5 million Ontarians are without a family doctor, children are learning in crumbling, overcrowded classrooms, and we are woefully behind in the fight against climate change. In BeachesEast York, we’re waiting longer for the TTC, rents and housing prices are ballooning, and life has become unaffordable for many people. And don’t even get me started on the bike lanes,” said McMahon.
She said that under leader Bonnie Crombie, the Ontario Liberals “have a plan to deliver more for you and your family, and are quickly gaining momentum to take down Doug Ford.”
Beaches-East York NDP candidate Dupuis said in a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News that it’s time for Ontario voters to turn the page on Ford’s government.
“Wherever I am connecting with community members, be it at the doorstep, at rallies I have organized, along parade routes,
when out gathering signatures on petitions I have written, or at local events, one thing is clear. Life in Ontario has become increasingly difficult over the last seven years since Doug Ford was elected Premier. Our community wants to see an end to the Ford government,” she said.
“People in Beaches-East York have been sharing their concerns with me- be it difficulty finding a home they can afford, struggles to find a family doctor and access health care quickly, or dirty schools that are lacking the most basic supplies like toilet paper, it is clear that our taxpayer dollars are being squandered by Doug Ford. Instead of investing in housing, in our hospitals, in our schools, he is wasting our money tunneling under the 401, ripping up bike lanes, and selling off our Greenbelt,” said Dupuis.
“In calling an early election, Doug Ford has given us an opportunity to get rid of him 16 months early. It’s time for change. It’s time to elect a truly progressive government, a caring, compassionate government. A government that spends your money wisely on what matters most to you.”
Beaches-East York Progressive Conservative candidate Michaelidis is a local realtor who has served as a Director with the Toronto Real Estate Board and as Chair of its Continued on Page 20
Create a legacy that supports healthcare in our community
“My husband Jim and I created a beautiful life together in East Toronto. I miss him every day. What better way to honour his memory than ensuring our community can receive compassionate, world-class healthcare for generations to come? That’s why I decided to leave a gift in my will to Michael Garron Hospital.”
- Pat Stark
Michael Garron Hospital has cared for people in East Toronto during life’s most crucial moments for nearly 100 years. Generous supporters made our hospital what it is today. And future gifts planned now will help us continue to serve our community’s evolving needs. Join Pat and create a legacy to support the health and well-being of your family, friends and neighbours.
Scan to learn more or contact Laura Byl, Legacy Giving Manager 416-469-6580 ext. 2322 laura.byl@tehn.ca
Provincial Election 2025
The Elections Ontario sign is up on the windows of the Returning Office for the Scarborough Southwest riding. The Returning Office is located in the former Sun Valley grocery store at Birchmount Avenue and Danforth Road.
Beaches-East York candidates’ debate slated
‘Candidates’ from Page 19 Government Relations Committee that has advocated for making the building of affordable housing easier. She said her priorities in this provincial election are housing affordability, infrastructure investment, healthcare, education, jobs and supporting small businesses.
Michaelidis said she is “deeply committed to her community, working to ensure local families in need have access to essential resources.”
TORONTO-DANFORTH
The Toronto-Danforth riding has been held by NDP MPP Peter Tabuns since 2006.
The Liberal, Progressive Conservative and Green Party candidates for TorontoDanforth are not yet known at press deadline for Beach Metro Community News
VOTER INFORMATION
Candidate nominations for all ridings will be closed by Elections Ontario at 2 p.m. on Feb. 13.
Please note that Beach Metro Community News will be continuously updating election news on our website at www.beachmetro.com as more information on candidates in the ridings we cover becomes available in the coming days.
Also, in the Feb. 18 print edition of the paper we will be further profiling those
candidates who respond to a questionaire that we will be sending them.
And for voters in Beaches-East York, the Balmy Beach Residents Association, Beach Metro Community News and Community Centre 55 are teaming up to host an All-Candidates Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Kingston Road United Church. The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. and the church is located at 975 Kingston Rd. Visit us online for more information on this meeting as the date draws closer.
For more information on the Feb. 27 provincial election, including how to vote, please go to the Elections Ontario website at www. elections.on.ca/en.html
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Agnesa Shukulli remembered for bringing warmth and kindness to everyone she met
Man, 23, charged in fatal Ashbridges Bay crash
A 23-YEAR-OLD Oakville man has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death in connection with an incident that took the life of a 25-year-old woman in Ashbridges Bay on the night of Sunday, Jan. 19.
Police and emergency crews were called to the area of one of the boat ramps on the west side of the Ashbridges Bay Park parking lot at 9:31 p.m. Jan. 19 for reports that a vehicle entered the water.
When police arrived, they saw the male driver had managed to exit the vehicle and was on its roof.
Police officers entered the freezing cold waters of the bay in an attempt to free the woman from the vehicle.
With the assistance of officers from the Toronto Police Marine Unit, the woman was extracted from the vehicle and rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. In a statement on Monday, Jan. 20, morning, police said the woman had been pronounced deceased in hospital.
In a news release sent out on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 21, police said the driver of the vehicle had been charged on Jan. 20.
Kristjan Serraj, 23, of Oakville, has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.
Investigation ongoing
In the Jan. 21 news release, police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing by members of 55 Division.
Anyone with information, or who was in the area at the time and has dash-camera footage or video surveillance, is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com
Shukulli, 25, died after a car she was a passenger in crashed into the icy waters of Ashbridges Bay on the
The woman who died in the incident has been identified by the organizers of a GoFundMe page in her memory as Agnesa Shukulli who moved to Canada from Albania in 2021.
“It is with great sadness that we share the sudden and tragic loss of our dear friend, Agnesa Shukulli. On January 20, 2025, Agnesa, just 25 years old, was in a terrible car accident near Lakeshore Boulevard East. The car went into Lake Ontario, and while she was rushed to the hospital, she sadly didn’t survive,” said the statement on the GoFundMe page.
“Agnesa was a kind and beautiful soul who touched the hearts of everyone she met. She was a loving daughter, a caring sister, and a friend who made everyone feel special. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.
“In November 2021, Agnesa moved to Canada to join her sister, Anxhela. She came here with big dreams—dreams of creating a better life, helping her parents back in Albania, and building a future filled with love and hope.
“Agnesa’s loss is devastating, not just to her family but to everyone who knew her. Her family is now facing the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to someone they
loved so much.
“Along with their grief, they are dealing with the financial challenge of bringing Agnesa back to Albania so she can be laid to rest in her homeland. We are reaching out to anyone who knew Agnesa, or even those who didn’t but want to help a family in need during this incredibly difficult time.
“Any amount you can give will make a difference. It will help ease the financial burden so her family can focus on grieving and healing. Your support, no matter how small, means so much.
“Let’s come together to honor Agnesa’s memory and support her family in this time of need.”
Worked at local bakery
For information on the GoFundMe page in her memory, please go to www.gofundme. com/f/with-heavy-hearts-weremember-agnesa-shukulli
Shukulli was a much loved employee at the Serano Bakery at Pape and Browning avenues in East York.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of a beloved member of our Serano Bakery Team. Agnesa Shukulli was not only a dedicated colleague but also a cherished friend who brought warmth, kindness, and joy to everyone she met,” said the bakery in a Facebook post.
Agnesa
night of Sunday, Jan. 19.
New Year, New Beginnings in Prince Edward County!
“Let’s turn your 2025 dreams into reality!”
Ash Kay
Sales Representative
Whether you’re seeking a fresh start or the perfect investment, I’m here to guide you. As a long-time investor and property owner in both Prince Edward County and The Beach, I bring valuable market expertise to help you every step of the way—from our vibrant Beach to the iconic Sandbanks.
Your local PEC Expert 647-822-2075 ash.kay@century21.ca
Global Marley at Redwood Theatre will celebrate music of Bob Marley in number of different styles
By Matthew Stephens
ON FEB. 6 of this year, legendary reggae musician Bob Marley would have turned 80 years old. In honour of his monumental legacy on the world of music, Culchahworks Art Collective will present Global Marley – a celebratory concert of Marley’s hits, performed by artists from across the globe living in Canada.
“Bob Marley is known the world over, but people don’t necessarily think about the fact that his music had reached every corner of the globe, and there’s a certain universality to it, which is remarkable given his humble beginnings and that he’s from this tiny little island in the Caribbean – and yet he still managed to touch people the world over,” said Culchahworks Artistic Director Andrew Craig.
The concert, which is set to take place two days after the musician’s birthday on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard St. E.), will be a celebration of Marley’s influential and everlasting messages of peace, love, and resistance. Tickets for the all-ages event can be purchased by going to www.theredwoodtheatre.com/event-details/ global-marley
In an interesting and unique twist, Marley’s hits will be performed utilizing styles and genres other than reggae, to illustrate the significance and impact of his music across the world.
“When you pull the reggae away and you see what’s left, what you have is incredibly poetic lyrics and beautiful melodies that Bob crafted totally separate from the arrange-
ment around the music,” said Craig.
The Culchahworks website describes the decision to blend genres as a great way for artists to demonstrate a unified love for Marley’s music in their own musical languages.
“We’ve taken the bare bones, the essence of the songs, lyrics and melody – and we’ve handed them to these artists to interpret through their own musical hands,” said Craig.
Featured artists slated for the event include the Kuné Global Orchestra, Blackburn Brothers, Cliff Cardinal, Jason Wilson, Born of One, Faith Amour, D’eve Archer, and many other artists from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Stylistic interpretations of Marley’s hits will be performed with an infusion of genres ranging from classical and jazz to R&B and funk, Indian and Indigenous – even Celtic and Chinese.
“We get to appreciate them in a whole new way,” said Craig. “So, it might be a song of which you’re tremendously familiar, but you likely will have never heard it treated in this fashion, and it allows for those artists to really shine in their own ways, coming from their own musical background.”
Drawn from the pronunciation of the word ‘culture’ in Jamaican patois, Culchahworks is a Toronto based non-for-profit arts organization established in 2013 by Guelphbased Craig. Their goal is to celebrate stories drawn from the roots of African-Canadian, Caribbean-Canadian, and African-American culture through the arts.
“We tell stories that we feel are little known, and amplify them through a variety of artistic disciplines,” said Craig.
Local angler catches rare musky in Lake Ontario waters off Toronto
By Joshua McGinnis
“I COULDN’T contain myself. The video shows a serious excitement I haven’t felt in a long time. It’s a lifetime catch in the Toronto Harbour,” said Dylan Sampson.
The East Toronto resident got lucky in early December of last year, catching a muskellunge— commonly known as a musky—in Toronto’s Queen’s Quay Harbour. It’s only the second recorded musky catch in the waters of Lake Ontario fronting Toronto in 30 years.
Two years ago, Sampson’s brother, Will, also caught a musky in the same area, which made headlines across Ontario.
Such a catch is rare due to the challenging conditions of the lake near downtown Toronto.
Rick Portiss, senior manager of aquatic monitoring and management at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, told CBC in a story two years ago that no muskies had been recorded in the area for over 30 years until Will Sampson’s catch.
Captured on video
This time, Dylan Sampson’s lucky moment was captured on video by local filmmaker Darin Morrison-beer, who accompanied him on the cold December morning.
The video, which has since garnered over 14,000 views, shows a day of fishing, starting early in the morning and ending with the catch.
“It was a surreal moment. I felt
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
had a fishing rod in my hand by the time I could stand,” said Sampson.
“It wasn’t until the past few years that I started taking it more seriously. I began sharpening my skills and targeting specific fish.”
Catching the musky was no easy feat.
Specialized lures
Sampson dedicated hours to fishing in Queen’s Quay Harbour, experimenting with new methods, casting more reels, and investing in specialized lures for the elusive fish.
“I had to change my gear, upgrade, and put more money into it—getting a proper reel. Then I began landing these big fish instead of losing them. I also started heading to deeper waters and spending more time on the boat,” he explained.
Muskies are known as apex predators and are notoriously difficult to catch.
In the fishing community, they have a reputation for putting up a fight before being reeled in. There are even reports of muskies biting swimmers.
like I blinked, and it was over,” said Morrison-beer.
“Filming and netting the fish simultaneously required all my focus. Having just learned about pike and musky that day, I held my tongue when I thought to myself while fumbling with the net: this fish does look a little different than the last two.
“I considered it a real possibility
until Dylan started yelling, ‘Is that a musky?’ We joked about catching a musky all morning and talked about how fortunate his brother was to have seen the only documented one in 30 years. When the musky was safely on the boat and Dylan confirmed its species, I was elated to know I had filmed the first Toronto Harbour musky catch.”
The musky Sampson caught last
month measured 38 inches long, but it was not weighed.
After being measured, the fish was released back into the lake by Sampson.
Sampson and his family are longtime East Toronto residents and have a deep connection to fishing.
“I come from a family of fishermen. My dad taught my brothers and me how to fish, and I’m sure I
“The whole name musky means angry pike or bad, bad pike. They say they have an attitude problem, and half the time, they strike things out of anger,” said Sampson.
To watch the video of the catch, visit Darin Morrison-beer’s YouTube channel by searching his name or typing
Dylan Sampson with the musky he caught in Lake Ontario off Queen’s Quay in early December of 2024.
Coronation Anthems
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Local
nutritionist
Jane Durst
Pulkys’ newly published book, The Metabolic
Balance Kitchen,
already a best-seller
Beach residents and health enthusiasts have something exciting to cheer about: Jane Durst Pulkys, a lifelong Beaches resident and Canada’s leading Metabolic Balance coach, has unveiled her second book, The Metabolic Balance Kitchen. As the US Ambassador and sole license holder for Metabolic Balance in Hong Kong, Jane brings unmatched expertise to the world of personalized nutrition and wellness.
Published in December 2024, this vibrant cookbook is already making waves as a bestseller on USA Today, Amazon Canada, and Amazon US. With 90 recipes designed to boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term health, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to kickstart their wellness journey.
Jane’s credentials speak for themselves. With over 25 years of private practice, Jane has built a reputation as an expert in personalized health and nutrition. As Canada’s leading Metabolic Balance coach, she has guided more than 1,400 clients through their journeys, helping them collectively lose 35,000 pounds and regain their health and vitality.
The Metabolic Balance program, a scientifically backed model developed by physicians and nutritional scientists in Germany, is at the core of Jane’s practice. This program creates customized nutrition plans tailored to an individual’s unique blood values, medical history, and preferences. The goal? Lower inflammation, balance insulin and hormones, and promote sustainable weight management.
“Unlike fad diets and quick fixes, Metabolic Balance empowers people to understand their bodies,” Jane explains. “It’s about learning how food affects you, transforming your cravings, and creating a healthier relationship with eating.”
Jane’s personal and professional journey has been deeply rooted in her passion for health and wellness. A Beach native, she grew up experimenting with homemade remedies, sprouting seeds, and crafting yogurt and bread from scratch. After earning her degree in Nutrition from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), she worked in various health-focused roles before stepping into private practice.
Her career took off after she became a certified Live Blood Cell Analyst and Holistic Nutritionist. A pivotal moment came when Jane appeared as a guest expert on Breakfast Television, gaining widespread recognition
for her expertise. Since then, she has been featured on CityTV and Global News, as well as various podcasts, and she has delivered wellness talks for Fortune 500 companies.
Most recently, while writing The Metabolic Balance Kitchen, Jane achieved a major milestone by earning her PhD, further solidifying her dedication to advancing her knowledge and expertise in nutrition.
Jane’s passion for helping others shines through in her practice. From conducting live blood cell analyses to offering food sensitivity and energy medicine testing, she provides clients with the tools they need to achieve optimal health. Now, with The Metabolic Balance Kitchen, she’s sharing her expertise with the world.
The cookbook is a practical extension of the Metabolic Balance program. Its 90 recipes, inspired by global cuisines, focus on reducing visceral fat, balancing insulin, and boosting metabolism. These simple, nutritious dishes are designed to be adaptable, making them perfect for various tastes and dietary needs. More than just a recipe collection, the book provides a roadmap for improving energy, vitality, and overall wellbeing.
Jane emphasizes that the recipes in The Metabolic Balance Kitchen are more than delicious—they’re transformative. “Lowering inflammation is the foundation,” Jane says. “From there, everything else falls into place: balanced hormones, improved metabolism, and sustainable weight management.”
The book is making its way to store shelves, but you can order your copy today on Amazon Canada. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or looking for inspiration to keep going, The Metabolic Balance Kitchen is the perfect companion.
For those seeking a personalized approach, Jane offers one-on-one consultations where she designs individualized Metabolic Balance plans tailored to her clients’ specific health needs, using detailed analysis of 36 blood values from the lab.
Visit Jane’s website at janehealthcoach. com for more information about her services and upcoming events.
Don’t miss your chance to start your journey with one of Canada’s leading nutritionists. With The Metabolic Balance Kitchen, Jane is bringing the tools for transformation straight to your kitchen.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Jane Durst Pulkys holds her groundbreaking new book, The Metabolic Balance Kitchen, a must-have guide packed with 90 transformative recipes to help you lower inflammation, balance hormones, and achieve lasting wellness.
Kennedy House on Pape Avenue hosts Coldest Night of the Year event
By Matthew Stephens
IN NORTH America, February is known as the coldest month of the year. In honour of those who face challenges during this time, the Blue Sea Foundation will be bringing communities across the country together to walk in solidarity and raise funds for families, youth, and adults experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
Known as Coldest Night of The Year (CNOY), the annual walk takes place on Feb. 22 at locations across Canada.
In East Toronto, the event will be hosted by Kennedy House Youth Shelter (1076 Pape Ave.). Registration is from 4 to 4:45 p.m., and the route will start and end at St. Barnabas Anglican Church on Danforth Avenue.
The CNOY website posts updates to display informa-
tion on the number of walkers, teams, and volunteers for each hosting organization, as well as a scoreboard to highlight how much money each team has raised.
Since 2011, CNOY has raised more than $70,312,000 in support of 182 communities and charity partners. According to the website, 100 per cent of net proceeds stay local to support CNOY charity partners.
For Kennedy House, the event raises critical funds to provide shelter, warm meals, and essential support for youth experiencing homelessness.
“With Ontario currently facing extreme winter temperatures, many youth are struggling to stay warm, and the need for emergency housing and support services has never been greater,” said Kennedy House fund-
raiser Deirdre MacLeod in a news release sent to Beach Metro Community News
In a report from CBC last year, the City of Toronto sheltered 9,969 people and turned away approximately 178 visitors daily due to capacity constraints between the months of January and April. Shelters such as Kennedy House aim to alleviate pressure put on the city with fundraiser events like CNOY, which aim to provide essential services during the colder months.
“The walk brings together local residents, businesses, and organizations to step out in the cold and show solidarity with those who have no safe place to go,” said MacLeod.
To register for CNOY at Kennedy House, go to https://cnoy.org/location/torontodanforth
Yonge Street’s music and pop culture focus of upcoming local historical society meeting
MUSIC HISTORIAN Mark Vendramini will be the guest speaker at The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society’s meeting next week.
The Feb. 12 presentation is free to attend and all are welcome.
For more information, please visit www.tbeths. com.
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. Vendramini will speak about Yonge Street’s music and pop culture history. His presentation will take place at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E. Born and raised in Toronto, author Vendramini has spent countless hours exploring the city and its neighbourhoods.
Skating party fun as Beaches-East York Councillor Bradford welcomes 2025
York Councillor Brad Bradford hosted a New Year’s Skating Party for community members at the Kew Gardens rink on Sunday, Jan. 26. A
number of skaters turned out for the event. Photo above left, Alessia, 4, takes to the ice with her mom Josie and dad Alessandro. Photo top
Councillor
and his daughter
Sheikh
tests out his speed skates while taking a turn around the
Councillor Bradford the ‘hat trick’ in which Ruby jumps up and grabs a hat.
PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON
Beaches-East
large
right,
Bradford
Briar at the rink. Photo above centre,
Hossain
rink. Photo above right, Beacher Gene Domagala (left) and his dog Ruby show
Caricature artist Patrick James works to keep tradition alive on the streets of Toronto
By Matthew Stephens
IN AN earlier time, street vendors and artists served as a critical, yet overlooked, part of Toronto’s culture. Fast forward to 2025: finding caricature artists working on city streets has been whittled down to a distant memory.
For more than 30 years, street portrait/caricature artist Patrick James has been desperately fighting to keep that memory alive.
However, in recent years, James believes working as a street artist in Toronto has become a profession riddled with outdated permit systems, sluggish progression, concerns of public safety, and failed promises from city and federal officials.
“So basically, you have Toronto with it’s slow way of doing things,” said James, who is an East Toronto resident.
“All of Ontario is kind of like this with the system. They’re really slow at doing things compared to other cities.”
Up until 2017, the cost for a caricature artist permit was around $500, along with a $2-million liability insurance fee annually.
Following two-years of negotiation between James, former Beaches-East York Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon (now the area’s MPP), and the now-retired Deputy City Manager Tracey Cook, a new permit system was established; one that lowered those excessive
fees down to $50 the following year – on par with the permit costs for buskers in the city.
Regardless of his efforts to lower fees and create a stable system, without critically essential changes to Chapter 740, or stricter regulation systems, James said he believes street artists operating in the city continue to face an uphill battle.
“Chapter 740 hasn’t been updated for decades. So, as a result, a lot of the issues in downtown Toronto related to permits for street artists is deteriorating every season,” said James.
“Nobody is upkeeping the standard to safeguard the income of all these permit holders with proper policies that protect them from people who aren’t licensed, or the people who have licenses, but go around the rules.”
In addition to the city’s past high permit fees, street artists were also only permitted to work in certain locations determined by the city, to prevent pedestrian congestion in high-traffic areas.
As part of James’s efforts to push the LS25.4 amendments to Chapter 740 on Street Vending, that too was changed, allowing caricature artists to operate wherever they see fit.
However, the fight is not over yet, and according to James, the persistent “archaic” systems have forced many street operators to throw in the towel and miss out on their assured and
much needed seasonal incomes.
He is now hoping for Code Chapter 740 to be reevaluated and “fine-tuned” by Toronto’s Municipal Licensing & Standards to ensure that caricature and portrait artists will continue to thrive and operate under proper regulations. James is pre-
Continued on Page 28
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Caricature artist Patrick James is working hard to keep cariacture artistry alive in the City of Toronto
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James seeking to establish creative hub for city artists
‘Caricature’ from Page 27
pared to take any action necessary to push for changes in the system – even legal action.
“I intend to imminently use a possible court action to compel City Hall’s licensing division to finally carry out its 10-year-old moratorium, which would involve overhauling its hideously outdated street entertainers/street vendors licensing system,” he said.
James began his career working in portraiture before committing to a full-time career in street artistry in the early 1990s. During that time, he operated alongside many other artists in Toronto at Yonge and Dundas Square.
By the early 2000s, after 10 years of working out of the notoriously tourist-heavy location, he and the other street artists were removed from the area due to the city’s concern that the redevelopment of Yonge Street near the Eaton Centre would cause a congesting influx of tourists and pedestrian traffic.
Sports
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Webster, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, on January 20, 2025, at the age of 87. Barry’s life was de ned by a devotion to family, community, and the causes he held dear.
Born in Brackley, England, Barry and his wife Anne emigrated to Canada in 1967, settling in Toronto with their young family. Barry’s career at TD Bank included helping develop the iconic TD Bank logo, and the Green Machine, and notably, creating the TD Award of Excellence. His legacy in both business and branding continues to inspire.
Barry’s love for his family was unwavering, raising two sons, Jeremy and Phil, with his rst wife, Anne, who sadly passed in 2001. Barry was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather and his joy in his family’s accomplishments was evident throughout his life. Barry married Lynda in 2004.
As a nine-year old, Barry joined the Westminster Abbey Choir, and was present for the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip. Music remained central to his being, continuing with the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir (Chor Meibion Cymru Toronto) and the choir at St. Aidan’s Church, where he formed lasting bonds with fellow music lovers.
In retirement, Barry devoted himself to his community, spreading holiday cheer as Santa Claus, giving back to others through Rotary, and always striving to make a positive di erence. His zest for life was also evident in his many adventures, especially his love for photography, sailing and travel.
Predeceased by his rst wife Anne and stepson Trevor, Barry is survived by his wife Lynda, sons Jeremy (Joanne), Philip, Andrew (Charmaine), and Geo (Crystal), grandchildren Natalie (Rhys), Victoria, Ava, Olivia, and his great-grandson Oliver.
e family extends its heartfelt thanks to the excellent palliative care team at the Tommy Latner Centre for their support and love.
A celebration of Barry’s life has already taken place. In lieu of owers, donations can be made to Rotary Canada.
To have known Barry was to have been touched by a life lived with warmth, generosity, and integrity—his legacy will forever inspire those who were lucky enough to share in it.
The city’s regulations prompted James to venture to Montreal, and later Kingston, Ontario, where he said he experienced updated permit systems that he believed to be effective in providing street artists with sustainable annual incomes.
“Many operators have given up on what was once assured seasonal incomes. For the street portrait artists, only one or two are left out of the initial 30 plus from 30 years ago,” said James.
“Compare this to Old Montreal with its effective updated permit system in which 20 similar artists are consistently thriving on annual seasonal incomes.”
Upon his return to Toronto in 2014, James said he noticed the glaring disparities cultivated by the city’s ineffective regulations had a debilitating impact on the world of caricature artistry. He now fights tirelessly to see those regulations change, but so far to no avail.
“Each year, the licensing division bosses, and policy staff have promised they were going to fulfil their promises ‘this coming Fall’ and always thereafter, they break that promise,” said James.
As a potential response to his ongoing concerns of working in the inner city, James has devised a proposal for a new system to be implemented that would create a “safe haven” for hand-picked artists to operate annually at the Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W.).
“I’ve been trying to rectify the current situation – which is that it’s not workable there.
That’s why people don’t take advantage of these cheaper permit fees; it’s chaos down there,” said James. “Who wants to work in that kind of setup?”
In addition to creating a safe hub for caricature artists to operate, James’s initiative aims to revive public interest in public caricature art, revitalize Harbourfront’s reputation, and utilize the space to turn the location into a popular tourist attraction.
In October of last year, James said he visited the office of Beaches-East York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith for help in achieving his plan for Harbourfront but so far no further progress has been made.
According to James, a similar action to safeguard street artistry was taken within the private confines of the Distillery District in Toronto.
He said he believes these private spaces are just some of the very few safe and affordable locations to operate as a caricature artist. “Outside of those private property areas, homelessness and hazardous conditions plague all public spaces downtown where street entertainers would normally operate,” said James.
He said he continues to hope that one day city and federal officials will help to conceptualize his vision to keep caricature artistry alive in the City of Toronto.
Klezmer concert set for Kingston Road United
ON SUNDAY, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m., Eric Abramovitz and his All-Star band, Schmaltz & Pepper, will be blowing the roof off at the Kingston Road Village Concert Series.
The Klezmer concert takes place at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd.
Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. To order online, go to www.eventbrite.com
Abramovitz is the principal clarinetist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and just recently he appeared with the orchestra as the soloist in the Mozart Clarinet Concerto.
The audience was enthralled and responded with cheers and standing ovations.
Then, for an encore, Abramovitz treated the audience to his own composition, Mozart in the Shtetl, a cheeky Klezmer piece that showed the other side of his musical personality.
Schmaltz & Pepper was formed in November of 2023, after Abramovitz was asked to play a chamber music gig with some musicians he didn’t know.
“Among them were Drew Jurecka and Rebekah Wolkstein who are both members of Schmaltz & Pepper. In the green room, after the concert, Rebekah and I got to talking and I casually mentioned that I loved Klezmer music and wished to one day play in a Klezmer band.
“That very instant, she calmly but very serious-
ly said ‘Let’s do it,’” said Abramovitz.
“It has been an amazing ride ever since.”
Abramovitz said that playing, composing and arranging for Schmaltz & Pepper has been an incredibly rewarding musical experience for him and the other band members.
The band can’t wait to perform this coming Sunday as part of the Kington Road Village Concert Series, said Abramovitz.
The Kingston Road Village Concert Series thanks the following local sponsors who make the performances possible: Karin Schemeit and Larry Williamson, Bob and Mary Gore (Robert Gore and Associates CPAs, CAs) and JOM (Joy of Music).
In retirement, Barry dedicated himself to his community, spreading holiday
Patrick James drew this caricature of reporter Matthew Stephens during their recent interview.
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Julian Taylor and friends to perform at Acoustic Harvest
By Matthew Stephens
EAST TORONTO’S Julian Taylor
is set to perform at the Acoustic Harvest concert in southwest Scarborough this month.
The concert is set for Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. at St Paul’s United Church (200 McIntosh St).
Advance tickets can be purchased for $35 online at www. acousticharvest.ca, or at the door
for $40.
Joining headliner Taylor at the Feb. 15 concert will be guests Robert Preist, Rosanne Barker Thornley, and Tyler Ellis. There will be an opening performance by Quote the Raven.
The concert is being billed as an Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Friends.
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on the Canadian roots-and-folk scene”, Taylor is a multifaceted musician.
Identity, heritage and growth
Known best for his blend of folk, rock, rhythm and blues, the singersongwriter’s career has spanned decades and earned him critical international acclaim for his heartfelt lyrics, rich vocals, and dynamic
performances.
His musical works often incorporate his mixed Mohawk and West Indian roots to explore themes of identity, heritage, and personal growth.
Taylor has garnered multiple awards and nominations, including several Juno Award nominations and Performing Artist of the Year by Folk Music Ontario.
His vast catalogue affirms his
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status as a prominent figure in the world of Canadian music.
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